Staring at the Gramercy Theatre, can you believe this spot has been entertaining New Yorkers since 1937? Originally, it opened as the Gramercy Park Theatre. It aimed to stand apart from the Gramercy Theatre already on First Avenue.
Designed in the Streamline Moderne style by Charles A Sandblom, the Gramercy Theatre is located on East 23rd Street. For a time, it was simply known as the Gramercy Theatre after the original one closed. The Gramercy Theatre has a rich history.
In the 1950s, Cinema V acquired the Gramercy Theatre. This company presented art films. It became known as an “art house”. Cinema V had some unusual policies. They barred admittance near a film’s end. They also served coffee in the waiting area. The Gramercy Theatre showed a mix of films. These included foreign movies, sub-run mainstream movies, Disney films, and revivals.
Fast forward to the early 1970s. The Gramercy Theatre became a dollar theater. It screened third-run movies. Later in the 70s, it showcased second-run films. Titles included “The Spy Who Loved Me” and “New York, New York.”
The 1980s saw the Gramercy Theatre showing first-run movies. Cinema V became City Cinemas. The Gramercy Theatre did great business. However, the opening of Chelsea Cinemas drew audiences away. City Cinemas closed the Gramercy Theatre in 1992. Before closing, it briefly showed Hollywood classics.
In 1995, Amit Govil revived the Gramercy Theatre. He turned it into the only movie house in New York City showing only Indian films. Before that, an anti-drug agency used the space. The Fugees even filmed their “Killing Me Softly” video here.
A major change happened in 1998. The Gramercy Theatre became a 499-seat playhouse. It presented Off Broadway shows. The Roundabout Theater Company premiered plays here. These plays were by contemporary writers.
The Roundabout’s last show was in 2002. Then, the Museum of Modern Art used the Gramercy Theatre as a temporary film house. MoMA was remodeling its Midtown location. From 2002 to 2004, the Gramercy Theatre served as both a film house and playhouse. It closed in 2004 after a final production.
Live Nation bought the Gramercy Theatre in 2006. They transformed it into a music venue. Stellastarr was the first act to perform under Live Nation in 2007. For two years, Blender magazine sponsored the venue. It was then known as the Blender Theater at Gramercy. Later, it reverted to the Gramercy Theatre.
Today, the Gramercy Theatre hosts diverse musical styles. These include rock and heavy metal. It holds about 650 people. This includes both standing and seated areas. Artists such as Macy Gray, Jay-Z and Counting Crows have performed here. It continues to be a premier live entertainment destination in New York City. A vibrant spot for music lovers.